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Topic: Frankenmotor (Read 120 times)

As some of you long timers know, I have an RZ350. Also, I have been thinking about building an RZ engine. So, after several years of accumulating parts, the engine is under way. It isn't really photo worthy yet but I can provide some history. I got a good set of Banshee cases for $100 on Ebay. $200 for an RZ transmission, got a good pair of 1UA cylinders (later model 63 hp) including power valves for another $200. So I am in for $500 and well on the way? Au contaire. I needed a crankshaft $330 and a head, another $170 with a poor powder coat that I have mostly removed. There are a host of other parts I have on order and otherwise but it is something on my list. My plan is to put the engine in a YZF R3 chassis or something else but I will try to keep this going. I already realize the cost of this build will be more than the end result but, like the Vision, you won't see one every day.

Walt, how much HP is that supposed to produce? It looks like significant volume of the transfer ports, so I would guess it makes upward of 50HP. In 1971 I had a TR2 (air cooled 350 racer) that put out 55HP according to the owner's manual. Good for 155mph at red line with 16/32 gearing. I would think that water cooling would allow a bit more HP to be developed from your RZ. What exhaust system are you using?

I'm still not sure what I am going to do with this when I finish it. I have been trying to decide on a suitable chassis and have sort of arrived at the yzf r3. They are pretty nice little bikes though quite underpowered. A drawback is they use the engine as a stressed member of the frame and the RZ engine is rubber mounted. Still thinking. As for pipes, there are quite a few options. The Spec IIs I have now do pretty good. I don't know what state of tune it is, the previous owner bought it for track use as it is and the tires showed that it went pretty good. I put stock Bridgestones, lights and turn signals on it and put it back on the street. It is quick and doesn't blubber so I have pretty much left it alone, just put 4 piston front brakes and needle bearing swingarm. It already had a Works Performance shock. I might just wait and see how long my present engine lasts.